The intelligence update cited analysis of the Russian pension and social security fund, conducted by the independent website Wiorstka. The study shows that in 2022-23 there will be a record increase in the number of men aged 31-59 with disabilities in Russia. In 2022, their number was officially 1.67 million, and in 2023 it increased by 507,000 or 30%.
Russian demographers believe this is largely related to an increase in the number of war absentees.
An intelligence update estimates that the majority of the 335,000 people killed by Russian armed forces in Ukraine are wounded. The average daily number of Russian casualties has increased since the offensive began in autumn 2023, peaking at 983 per day, the highest rate since the start of the war, the British Ministry of Defense asserted.
“The record increase in the number of men aged 31-59 with disabilities and wounded soldiers will have a significant impact on Russian medical and social welfare,” the ministry said.